song makeovers

You hear a song, it's fabulous. Or it's kinda cool. Then, you hear it again. But this time, it's different. Someone else is singing it. The instrumentation is unlike the original, the pace altered, it's been completely re-worked. That, I believe is when a cover song has the potential of blowing your socks off.

Of course, this isn't always the case. There are exceptions. When the Holly Cole Trio did their version of "Jersey Girl" (by Tom Waits), I was appalled. However, when a song is creatively covered instead of being mere mimicry, it can become iconic in its own right.

This discussion certainly cannot happen without including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". That particular song has been covered by so many singers. Though, none are as incredibly haunting as Jeff Buckley's rendition. (Yes, K.D. Lang does a rather fabulous version as well.)

Here is Jeff Buckley, with his soulful version of "Hallelujah", (audio only):

Leonard Cohen songs are often covered. And although I'm a big fan of Mr. Cohen, many of his songs are even more beautiful when someone else sings them. "Tonight Will Be Fine" sung by Teddy Thompson, is slower than the original and the ache in his voice is palpable.  I prefer the footage from the rehearsal as seen in the Leonard Cohen documentary "I'm Your Man", but the sound quality was too poor on the Youtube clip available. The live performance is still worth a listen.

So how did I come about writing this blog entry? Why, I came across a cover version of my favourite Bob Dylan song. It's called "One More Cup of Coffee". The person covering it? Jack White. Bloody amazing is what it is!

This is a fan-made video, using footage found in the box set "Under the Great White Northern Lights" from the White Stripes' Canadian tour. (Thank you Kate for pointing that out!)

The White Stripes also cover the song "Jolene", originally written and performed by Dolly Parton. It's another favourite of mine.

David Gray has an excellent album of cover songs called "A Thousand Miles Behind". It's gorgeous, really. I love his original stuff, but he goes somewhere special with this collection. The songs that stand out are "I Tremble for you" by Johnny Cash and the  traditional song "Long Black Veil". Check out the album on his website.

Ah yes, there is Tallest Man on Earth's version of "Graceland". My friend D. introduced me to it - it's so so different from the original. Yet, the simplicity of a man and his guitar just works. I love it. (Audio only).

Then, there's a lovely version of Buddy Holly's "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" by Serena Ryder. (This one's for you Lil'G!) The language is a little dated, but her rendition is spot on.

One singer who often does beautiful cover songs would have to be Sinéad O'Connor. Her voice is mesmerizing in Elton John's song, "Sacrifice". The song is completely transformed.

This here, is an interesting version of Gnarls Barkley's song "Crazy" by Ray Lamontagne, (sorry, it's audio only). It's more restrained than the original, and in a way this heightens the tension.

 

On a final note, here is a great cover of Tom Waits' Ol' 55. It's by Sarah McLachlan of all people. Apparently, it was recorded during a late night jam session after a few bottles of red had been uncorked. There's is a lazy spontaneity to this version. Enjoy!

Beth Hart: Secret Showcase at Amstelkerk, Amsterdam (the Netherlands)

Today's guest author,`Lil' G:

Lil' G is a globetrotter, who divides time between East Canada and West Europe. A part time musician (guitar, drums, and some keys) and hobby photographer, Lil' G loves pop quizzes as much as good food. Lil' G has written articles and columns for several websites, with topics ranging from graphic novels, travel to music and eye candy.

Singer/songwriter Beth Hart could be the love child of Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge: her vocal chords are certainly a fit. Like Canadian rocker Sass Jordan, Beth also had a part in off-Broadway musical “Love, Janis”, performing songs.

She first caught my ear in 1999 with “LA song” of her sophomore album “Screaming for my supper”. There was a rawness and an honesty that immediately appealed to me. I have attended several concerts over time, and one of my personal highlights is the Paradiso concert (also a former church in Amsterdam) several years ago, which was filmed and released on DVD.
 

I have seen Beth change over the years - from someone living the hard life to someone who finally found happiness, and is growing more into her own skin. 
Beth is the kind of singer/songwriter, who’s heavily influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, and mixes rock, blues, and gospel into her songs. (She does a killer rendition of Led Zep’s Whole Lotta Love  by the way.)

On September 16th, 2010, I got an E-mail informing me I was on the guest list for her album launch in the Netherlands. 8 days later I packed a bag, ran some errands, and caught a train to the Dutch capital city. 
I met up with my friend EJ, whom I had invited to come along as I was allowed to bring one guest. We had a bite to eat, and then walked on to the venue, Amstelkerk, a former church:

At first EJ and I walked past, while looking for a church. EJ thought the people waiting in line were a bunch of tourists, I thought they didn’t look like the fans I’m used to seeing at her concerts. (My bad, indeed.) Amstelkerk turned out a small, intimate place - perfect for the album launch. 
For 15 Euros EJ and I both got the limited edition of her new album “My California” (official release date is in about a week) and a poster. Oh, ya, we both got our copies signed by Beth herself!

I thought I’d share a pre-concert picture with you, with yours truly in the audience. (I’m facing  away, because I was talking to my friend Natasha.)

 “My California” is Beth’s most personal album to date. And I have to confess, apart from “Leave the light on”, her songs have never hit so close to home.

For personal reasons both “Sister Heroine" and “Love is the Hardest” stood out from all the songs in her set list. (Thank you, Beth, for your liner notes.)

Love is the hardest = I struggle with this one. The ability to love beyond conditions has been hard for me. To open my heart & be willing to choose forgiveness, will continue to be a daily practice. Wish me luck!
 

Sister heroine = For my sister Sharon & anyone who thinks they’re no good, you’re always somebody else’s hero.

Anyone who appreciates substance over style should give Beth a chance (if you haven’t already). This lady not only wears her heart on her sleeve (in a good way), she also sings her heart out as if there might not be a tomorrow. Hugely popular in the Netherlands (even though mainstream pop charts don’t show that), Denmark, and Norway, she also does semi regular gigs in the US (mostly in California, where she lives).

Beth played a set consisting of old and new songs, because her audience wanted her to and she was more than happy to oblige. As always there was plenty of interaction with the audience (like you could probably tell by watching the “Love is the hardest” footage where she hugged an audience member who started crying over Beth’s admission and thoughts behind the song).

It was a very inspiring concert, to say the least… I’m off for a drive - with “My California” on my car stereo. Catch ya later!